First Niagara Bank has launched its 2010 Mentoring Matters program with $500,000 funding available statewide. It is holding its first-ever student mentoring essay contest to reinforce the importance and showcase the positive impact mentoring has on the lives of today’s youth.

Now beginning its fourth year, Mentoring Matters provides funding and volunteer support for mentoring efforts conducted by nonprofit organizations in Western New York and throughout Upstate New York.

For the 2010 edition, First Niagara has introduced the mentoring essay contest, which is open to sixth-grade students who are involved in mentoring programs and enrolled in schools in Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Chautauqua, and Genesee counties.

Student essay contest winners will receive $5,000 for their school, a $500 savings bond for themselves and a starring role on a national First Niagara television advertisement, along with other prizes. Interested students can visit www.fnfg.com to begin the essay contest process. The deadline for student essay submissions is Oct. 1.

“We want to hear from those students that have been guided by a mentor,” said Daniel E. Cantara, First Niagara Bank Western New York regional president. “By getting them involved in the mentoring celebration, we hope to encourage others to participate and help support mentoring programs.”

Celebrating its fourth year, Mentoring Matters will also top the $2 million total grant mark in 2010, positively impacting more than 13,000 youth through more than 150 organized mentoring programs in Upstate New York.

The 2010 program will provide $500,000 to eligible not-for-profits statewide. First Niagara is encouraging nonprofit organizations in Western New York to apply for funding. The maximum grant awarded is $25,000. The minimum grant awarded is $5,000. Interested organizations can visit www.fnfg.com to begin the grant application process.

The deadline for not-for-profit grant submissions is Friday, Oct. 1.

“Mentoring can have a tremendous impact on the future of a young adult. Through our Mentoring Matters program, we are able to make a difference in a child’s life by supporting the inspiring achievements made by nonprofit organizations actively involved with mentoring,” said Cantara.

First Niagara Bank has two locations in Orchard Park. One is located at 6520 Webster Road and the other at 3488 Amelia Dr., inside of Quaker Crossing Plaza.